Cold sores are eruptive ulcers, caused by a virus called herpes simplex type-1, which can passed from one person to another by physical contact. In most cases, you get the virus in your childhood and once you have the virus, it stays in your body forever which may cause the cold sores to come back in the future.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are eruptive ulcers, caused by a virus called herpes simplex type-1, which can passed from one person to another by physical contact. In most cases, you get the virus in your childhood and once you have the virus, it stays in your body forever which may cause the cold sores to come back in the future.

Can I pass cold sores to someone else?

Absolutely, cold sores are contagious from the moment you feel the first sign of tingling, or burning sensation until they heal after 7-10 days.

You can talk to your physician or dentist about your cold sores. Antiviral medications in the forms of tablets and ointments are available with a prescription. In addition to medications, the more you learn about the cold sores and what triggers them the more you can control them. Even though you can’t avoid getting the flu, you can control the amount of time you spend in the sun and / or manage your stress, which could lower the risk of episodes.

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